If you’ve made the great decision to choose a new Nissan sedan as your next ride, you’ll want to compare the Nissan Altima vs. Sentra and see whether the more powerful Altima or the more efficient Sentra is right for you. Our guide below will cover how these premier sedans stack up. Read on to compare the Nissan Altima to the Nissan Sentra, then visit Bravo Nissan to test drive either or both models.
| 2024 Nissan Altima | 2024 Nissan Sentra | |
| Engine | – 2.5L 4-Cylinder (Standard) – 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-Cylinder (Available) |
2.0L 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | – 188 (Standard Engine) – Up to 248 (Available VC-Turbo Engine) |
149 |
| Torque | – 180 lb-ft (Standard Engine) – Up to 273 lb-ft (Available VC-Turbo Engine) |
146 lb-ft |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) | – Up to 27/39/321 (Standard Engine) – 25/34/291 (Available VC-Turbo Engine) |
Up to 30/40/342 |
| Transmission | Xtronic CVT | Xtronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | – Standard FWD – Available Intelligent AWD |
Standard FWD |
| 0-60 MPH | – 7.4 Sec3 (Standard Engine) – 5.9 Sec3 (Available VC-Turbo Engine) |
9.2 Sec4 |
With one glance, we can understand the Nissan Altima vs. Sentra performance comparison: The Altima is a more powerful, faster-accelerating sedan, while the Sentra stands on top for fuel efficiency. Do keep in mind, though, that the Sentra has a significantly lower starting price than the Altima; see the details in the Nissan Altima vs. Sentra trims section below.
But moving back to Nissan Altima vs. Nissan Sentra specs, we see noteworthy differences like how the Altima offers available AWD, while the Sentra is limited to FWD. However, the base Altima S and top-trim Altima VC-Turbo are similar to the Sentra in that they are also limited to FWD. So, if you happen to be heading far north from Texas or prefer the traction of AWD when it rains, the Altima is the better choice for you.
However, the Sentra is a better choice if MPG is your priority, as this sleek model can deliver an extra three EPA-estimated City MPG1, 2 than the most efficient Altima. Regardless of power and efficiency, an Xtronic CVT is used by both models to provide a smooth ride.
When comparing the Nissan Altima vs. Sentra, keep in mind as well that the Sentra is a more maneuverable vehicle. While it’s unable to equal the Altima sedan’s top 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds,3 the Sentra takes on city streets and packed parking lots with a more agile wheelbase and exterior, balancing the benefits between them.
| 2024 Nissan Altima | 2024 Nissan Sentra | |
| Length | 192.9 in | 182.9 in |
| Width | 72.9 in | 71.5 in |
| Height | Up to 57.4 in | Up to 57 in |
| Wheelbase | 111.2 in | 106.6 in |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Volume | Up to 100.6 cu ft | Up to 96.1 cu ft |
| Cargo Space (Trunk) | 15.4 cu ft | 14.3 cu ft |
| Legroom (Front/Rear) | 43.8/35.2 in | 43.8/34.9 in |
| Headroom (Front/Rear) | Up to 39.1/36.9 in | Up to 38.9/36.7 in |
While we can clearly see that the Altima is bigger, there’s a more interesting fact to cover when comparing Nissan Sentra vs. Altima sizing: The Sentra has near-equal interior space across almost every dimension. In the market for reliable midsize sedans? Check out how the Nissan Altima compares to the Honda Accord.
Specifically from our chart, the Sentra only sacrifices 1.1 cubic feet of cargo space, 0.3 inches of rear legroom, and 0.2 inches of both front and rear headroom to offer its enhanced maneuverability over the Altima. When considering that the Altima is a full 10 inches longer, 1.4 inches wider, and up to 0.4 inches taller than the Sentra, this ability to maintain larger-segment interior room in a smaller vehicle makes the Sentra quite competitive.
Nissan Altima vs. Sentra dimensions have no winner or loser; both are impressive. The Altima is still a more spacious vehicle that’s quite maneuverable and compares favorably against many sedans in its class.
When you compare Nissan Altima vs. Sentra price points at each trim level, you’ll notice that every 2024 Nissan Sentra has a lower starting price MSRP than the base-trim 2024 Nissan Altima. For the Altima, trim levels available to you are as follows:
The new Nissan Sentra can be yours in one of the following trims:
Nissan Altima vs. Sentra trim levels involve more choice in the Altima but more affordability in the Sentra. So, how do they compare? Starting with the base-trim Altima S, you’ll get the following features as standard:
Meanwhile, the top-trim Sentra SR, which has a lower starting price than the Altima S, gives you the following standard features:
As you can see, these models are fairly even, with factors like the Sentra SR sedan’s smaller body and less powerful engine accounting for the gap in pricing that remains.
However, if you view Nissan Altima inventory at our auto dealership and find higher Altima trims, you’ll notice that the Sentra can not equal the features they bring. For example, the Altima has an available eight-way driver’s seat and includes both leather upholstery and the ProPILOT Assist as standard on higher trim levels; the Sentra does not.
Both models, though, are built to protect and can include the following safety features:
If you’re looking for fast facts to summarize the 2024 Nissan Altima vs. 2024 Nissan Sentra comparison, here are the key advantages of each model:
There’s more to each model, though. If you’re ready to further narrow your search for a new Nissan sedan, visit Bravo Nissan today to learn the full benefits of the Nissan Sentra and Nissan Altima with a test drive and explore our new vehicle specials to take your winner home for a deal.
Continue your Nissan research and check out our comparison of the Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla.
The Nissan Altima has more horsepower than the Nissan Sentra, but the Nissan Sentra is a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Specifically, you can find 188 horsepower with the standard Altima engine or up to 248 with the available VC-Turbo engine. The Nissan Sentra makes 149 horsepower but delivers up to an EPA-estimated 30/40 MPG (City/Highway),2 which is more than the most-efficient Nissan Altima configuration.
The Nissan Altima has a higher starting price than the Nissan Sentra. Nissan Altima vs. Sentra price points see the top-trim 2024 Sentra SR arrive with a lower starting MSRP than the base-trim 2024 Altima S, but keep in mind that the Sentra is a smaller, less powerful vehicle. To compare the competitive benefits that each model delivers for the price, visit Bravo Nissan for a test drive.
The Nissan Altima leaves the Nissan Sentra in the dust for acceleration, but the Sentra is more fuel efficient. Specifically, the Altima goes from zero to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds3 or 5.9 seconds3 depending on the engine you choose, while the Sentra does 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds4 and delivers up to an EPA-estimated 30/40 MPG (City/Highway).2
12024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 27 City MPG / 39 Highway MPG / 32 Combined MPG for Altima® S, SV FWD. 27 City MPG / 37 Highway MPG / 31 Combined MPG for Altima® SR, SL FWD. 26 City MPG / 36 Highway MPG / 30 Combined MPG for Altima® SV, SR, SL AWD. 25 City MPG / 34 Highway MPG / 29 Combined MPG for Altima® SR FWD VC-Turbo. Fuel economy estimates based on 87-octane fuel. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
22024 EPA Fuel Economy Estimates. 30 City MPG / 40 Highway MPG / 34 Combined MPG for Sentra® S, SV; 30 City MPG / 38 Highway MPG / 33 Combined MPG for Sentra SR. Actual mileage may vary with driving conditions. Use for comparison only.
3This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/altima.
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/nissan/sentra.